PG&E customers can opt out of SmartMeters -- for $75, plus $10 a month

By Dana Hull dhull@mercurynews.com

Despite a chorus of complaints by SmartMeter opponents, state regulators voted Wednesday to give PG&E customers the right to opt out of having a SmartMeter and keep their old meters -- for a fee.
The decision, which is being closely watched by smart grid advocates and utilities across the country, came after a year of highly organized protests by consumers who oppose SmartMeters, primarily because of alleged health effects.
PG&E customers who want to opt out of SmartMeters will be required to pay a one-time $75 fee and a monthly charge of $10. Low-income customers would pay an initial fee of $10 and a monthly charge of $5.

9. Just to add to that post...

Those meter readers were burning a lot of gas, and driving a lot of miles. Not doing that is a good thing for the environment.

Older meters can't run backwards, so solar/wind installations generally required a new meter. Not a huge cost increase when you factor in the cost of buying the panels/turbine, but every bit helps.

Smart meters enable smarter use of power. If you opt-in, and the power company has the infrastructure, they can do things like turn off your A/C if there's a spike in power demand. Thus reducing CO2 from power plants - the power company doesn't need to have as many plants already up and spinning to absorb the spike.